Dubai Desert Safari

Catriona Rowntree had the most wonderful time exploring Dubai, one of the seven countries making up the United Arab Emirates.

Catriona Rowntree had the most wonderful time exploring Dubai, one of the seven countries making up the United Arab Emirates.

In little more than a decade, Dubai has earned the reputation of becoming the world’s biggest, best and tallest of almost everything.

It is the result of the dream of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and ruler of Dubai. He is responsible for the magnificent transformation of his country from a tiny desert outpost into a truly world-class city.

Catriona advises that if you are spending just a night or two in Dubai, it’s a good idea to stay close to the airport and she found that the 5-star Jumeirah Creekside Hotel is just right.

Its first big plus is that it has a flexible 24 hour check- in system. Your nightly rate starts from the moment you arrive, whether it’s 6am or 10pm. What a grand idea!

The hotel’s 292 rooms and suites are generous in size and modern with an Arabian twist, complemented by a wonderful Middle Eastern Contemporary Art Collection. There are two beautiful pools and a private beach, four tennis courts and two squash courts. The Aviation Club fitness facility has a fully equipped gym and Akaru Spa has 14 treatment rooms, saunas and steam rooms.

It has two signature restaurants, two bars, a lounge and café serving super healthy cuisine.

For the over-21s Cu-ba Bar on the roof offers tapas, rum and cigars poolside. It’s the place to be at sunset.

The hotel is not just close to the airport but is in the heart of Dubai, overlooking Dubai Creek which runs northeast-southwest through the city. It is also minutes away from some of Dubai’s important landmarks and shopping.

Being on the edge of the desert, one of the most memorable things you can do in Dubai is to take a Sundowner Safari with Arabian Adventures.

The adventure began with a 45 minute road trip in a four-wheel Land Cruiser to the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, the last remaining desert landscape in the Emirates.

Once you have had driving and safety instructions, you are set to have the dune buggy experience of a lifetime. The fully automatic four-seater, off-road buggies have seatbelts, road cages and off-road suspension. They are shared, with each driver having a 20 minute experience behind the wheel during the two hours of fun.

As you follow your guide along the natural trail of the dunes you become more aware of the beauty of the desert. The colours and patterns of the sand formed in different shapes and ridges constantly change. As the sun disappears, the colours of the sands glow and change.

At the traditional Bedouin-style camp desert activities and a bonfire awaited. There are several options, including watching a falcon display. Maybe a camel ride is more for you, or mini sandboarding, indulge in some intricate henna hand-painting or relaxing on large carpets and cushions with a shisha, an aromatic waterpipe. Amazingly clever sand art in bottles makes great gifts.

Then you move to the seating area to enjoy a three-course Arabic buffet. It comes with unlimited beer, wine and other alcoholic beverages, excepting Ramadan and religious holidays.

After a delicious meal, accompanied by a belly dancing performance, the camp lights are turned off so everyone can enjoy the marvel of how many stars there actually in our solar system.

Catriona and everyone she spoke with on the Sundowner Safari agreed that the tour really captured the essence of the Middle East

Location
Dubai.

Cost
For your own stay at the fabulous Jumeirah Creekside Hotel, Bon Voyage has 3 nights for 2 adults in a Deluxe Room with breakfast each day, 300 Dirham food and drink credit, access to Wild Wadi Waterpark and shuttle bus to the shopping malls. This great deal is from just $599 – that’s up to 45% off the usual rate.
Conditions apply.